Oakdale High School graduating senior Anne Homer will be facing numerous decisions in the upcoming months; how to pay her college tuition, however, will not be one of them.

Homer was recently named the 2016-2017 Leo Volz Scholarship recipient.

“As a child it was always something that was looming over my head,” Homer stated, noting that three of her four older siblings were scholarship finalists in previous years. “I never did think I would win it, though. I’m in a class of very intelligent students and they’re all my very good friends.”

But win it she did. A hard earned honor which has now made college selection a bit easier for number five of six children in the Homer family.

The Leo Volz Scholarship pays $25,000 per year for four years, for a maximum of $100,000 toward tuition and books at an accredited university. Volz was an Oakdale farmer who bequeathed a scholarship to be set up through the Oakdale Joint Unified School District in his will, which was endowed with $2 million.

“I think my dad was the most excited,” the senior admitted.

Recognizing the expense of college and the financial impact it can have on a family, as child number five, Homer shared she had begun considering Modesto Junior College for her General Education studies to ease the family burden.

Her four older siblings have attended UC Berkeley, St. Mary’s College and Stanislaus State.

“Davis is looking like where it’s going to be,” she said of her acceptance to the California University, just prior to taking a tour before Spring Break.

Homer was one of eight finalists for the Leo Volz, each of the other seven are her friends. As finalists, all the students were required to write a two page essay, as well as attend an interview.

“I know the judges probably had a very hard time deciding,” she said. “We’re all very well rounded.”

The senior describes herself as one who has kept very busy in the way of academia, as well as campus and volunteer involvement. Despite her hectic schedule, she has maintained a GPA of 4.2. She has plans to major in English with a focus in Creative Writing.

“I’d like to own or work at a publishing company,” Homer said.

With four years of French under her belt, the senior shared she also has an interest in Literary Translation.

As for the scholarship and being named the 2016-017 recipient, Homer stated: “It was an extreme surprise. The campus monitor came and got me from my drumline class to go to the principal’s office. I’d never been in the principal’s office, so I wasn’t really sure what was going on.”

Soon enough, however, she learned and was able to share the news via phone call with her parents. While her parent’s joy could be heard over the phone, it was her siblings’ texts and kudos of “fourth time’s the charm,” which touched the student.

Homer shared while there is much she loves about the community, as well as growing up in a large family, she’s looking forward to the opportunity to branch out.

“I’ve always been a little more independent,” she said, “because that’s who I am, I guess. Coming from a large family, everything is big. I think the small things have really meant a lot to me.

“It’s extremely comforting growing up in a close knit community,” she continued. “I’m looking forward to this next experience and I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity.”